May 2019 Health Newsletter

Pain In The Text Neck

Spending too much time texting? Hooked on social media? Have you shifted from watching movies on a TV to watching them on your shiny new tablet? With these new habits and activities come new stresses on the body. "Text Neck" is the not so old term used to refer to pain and irritation to the neck and upper back as one looks down at their electronic device over extended periods of time. This poor posture with the head in the down position causes irritation and damage to the cervical spine (neck) and upper thoracic spine (upper back). Muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back as well as the joints of the spine are all vulnerable, resulting in pain and stiffness. Even the nerves exiting the spine in the neck and upper back areas can become irritated, resulting in local or radiating pain into the arms. So what to do you ask? The first step is raising all devices so they're at eye level and avoid looking down for extended periods of time where your chin is approaching your chest. Also, limit your time on electronic devices and ensure that while in use, you take frequent breaks every 20-30 minutes. If you’re at the point where you are noticing pain and stiffness during or after use, there is help. Your local doctor of chiropractic is a spinal expert and can accurately evaluate and care for a wide variety of spinal and soft tissue conditions, including text neck. Chiropractors utilize a number of safe and natural treatments focused on restoring motion and balance back to the spine and supporting soft tissues, eliminating the associated pain. If you believe you might be suffering from text neck or another spinal/soft tissue disorder, call your local chiropractor today for a non-obligation evaluation today!

Walking Away Back Pain

European researchers have supporting evidence that moderate physical activity is beneficial for many people with acute low back pain. In a recent study, researchers found back pain sufferers had a reduction in their level of back pain after 10-15 minutes of treadmill walking at a self-selected speed. A word or caution: Those suffering from back pain should always seek the advise of their licensed chiropractor or other health care professional prior to initiating any physical activity when pain is present. Only a licensed health care provider can determine if physical activity is safe and/or appropriate for your particular condition.

What’s With The “Pop”?

If you've been to a chiropractor in the past, you may have
noticed that your chiropractic procedure was associated with a popping sound.
This sound is actually quite normal and is created by the negative pressure
within the joint resulting in the release of nitrogen gas. In fact, this is what
occurs when cracking your knuckles. With certain chiropractic procedures delivered
by licensed doctors of chiropractic, this noise is completely normal. However,
there are many times when the popping sound isn't heard. New research performed
to evaluate neck pain and the presence of an audible "pop" heard immediately
following the chiropractic procedure indicates the lack of an audible "pop"
does not necessarily contribute to the reduction of pain or overall effect on
the nervous system. In other words, that audible "pop" is not required to get
great results!